T-56 fluid choice?
 

Guys,
I drained the fluid in my T-56, and need to refill. The big orange label on my trans says to use Dexron III fluid. This is for street use.
Like most of us, part of me says to follow the instructions, part says to use something "better".
There are many choices for newer formulations, synthetics, etc. I know synthetics are SUPPOSED to be better, but my experience has shown them to leak more than conventional fluids, at least in old motors & rear ends.

Looking for your opinions on what to refill with & WHY.

THANKS!

Bill

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=49438

My T56 Mag with Hurst shifter works very well with Mobil 1. I guess it could be a little 'slicker' but it's pretty smooth and positive.......after 2,500 miles of breakin they are notably better than new.

Sorry, Sieg
I missed that post. I searched, but somehow that one didn't come up.

I guess it's like most things...different people/ different opinions.

Mobil 1 here as well, a little pricey but good stuff

No problem........with the exception of the neverending internet debate on which oil is best. :lol:

Bill,
Have you already decided on a fluid? I would use the ATF because that’s what the engineers who designed the transmission determined worked the best.

Use AMSOIL ATF because it protects against thermal breakdown(high heat is no problem), has outstanding wear protection, and has a cold temperature fluidity of < -60°F pour point. Plus it meets the Dexron lll spec and you have a warranty with AMSOIL.

Plus rather than supporting big oil(Mobil) why not get great customer service from a supporting vendor (me). You also get to order it in the comfort of your house. Myself and the complete AMSOIL technical services department are willing to answer your questions if you have any.

Oh yah and I have an offer for the site on wholesale prices. Its located in another thread on the site. It truly is the best deal you can get on AMSOIL. https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=49498

Thanks guys.
I used regular old Dexron III as recommended by Tremec. Hell, if they put a big orange decal on the transmission, they must feel pretty strongly about it, right?
As far as synthetics, I have mixed emotions about them. While I believe they provide better protection, less wear, and are more stable, I have experienced leaks starting where there were none previously. On more than 1 occasion.
I just don't completely trust them...
"Call me old fashioned, say I'm over the hill" (Bob Seger)

I used Synchromax from Royal Purple. Its not gear oil, it is very similar to tranny fluid. The use of it states as a replacement for ATF.

I 2nd the RP

I just refilled mine with Redline D4 ATF. I was using the Mobil 1 Synthetic before this, and the trans is shifting much smoother now in my opinion. I also changed the clutch though, so it's not a 100% comparison...

bump...

Some of you put some miles on the t56 so far and i would like some more feedback with the original question

I know this is an older thread, but I thought I'd add the information I recently (Oct. '15) received from Tremec when I asked them the same question. The answer was Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. In my question to Tremec (via the tech line on their webpage) I referenced the recommendations for Dextron III and Pennzoil Synchromesh and even asked if I should break in the T56 with the Dextron and then switch to something else or stay with the Dextron and Tremec clearly stated in its reply that " the correct fluid for your Magnum transmission is Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF".

Royal Purple Synchromax. Its purplish red and is like ATF. The bottle specifically says for use in T56s

IMHO, those guys at Tremec are yahoos and don't know anything other than how to write up a sales invoice. I called them a while back about bellhousing alignment and they told me its not required, but if I wanted to....following these directions (which were for the 4 speed bellhousing). Told him about removing the front plate and he proceeded to tell me not to take the transmission a part.

It really depends on who you happen to get connected to on the phone which varies day to day. I asked a similar question about alignment and the Tremec tech told me it was absolutely necessary to align the bellhousing and said the onl way to do it correctly was to remove the front cover. One would think you could get a straight answer on such basic questions.

I used some valvoline dex3. I have redline d4 ready to go in once i put 500 miles on the car and change all the fluids